Richie's long-time best friend and the founder of the band. His escalating drug addiction causes him to miss performances and play poorly, leading to a confrontation and ultimately his fatal overdose, which serves as the catalyst for Richie's emotional arc.
Their deep friendship drives Richie's entry into the band and intensifies his grief after Donnie's death.
The plot identifies Donnie as Richie's long-time best friend, and Richie confronts him when his drug use disrupts the band.
Their romantic relationship is strained as Donnie's drug use causes him to alienate Lorraine.
Lorraine is explicitly introduced as Donnie's girlfriend and initially informs Richie about Donnie's band's audition.
The Fatman's drug supply makes him responsible for the event that destroys Donnie's life.
Richie discovers that the Fatman ultimately supplied Donnie with the drugs that led to his overdose.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Thunder Alley